Development of Improved Aptitude Area Composites for Enlisted Classification.

Maier, Milton H.; Fuchs, Edmund F.

Research has been conducted to develop new and improved aptitude area composites based on the Army Classification Battery (ACB) test scores for use in determining assignment of enlisted input to training courses. The ACB measures were evaluated for effectiveness as predictors of final grades and performance in Army combat job assignments. Eight new aptitude area composites using the ACB tests were developed. Simulated allocation studies were conducted to determine how much the new composites would improve classification of men for training and jobs. With the revised aptitude area system, benefits would accrue to the Army in (1) reduction by about 20% in the number of training school failures; (2) a concomitant savings in training funds and fuller utilization of Army training resources; (3) improvement in training performance of men completing training successfully--the number of men performing at marginal level would decrease by about 10% and an increased number would perform at superior level. (Author/PT)